Venugopala Swamy temple, Mysore, precisely at Hosa Kannambadi near the backwaters of Krishna Raja Sagara (KRS dam), is a magnificent demonstration of the Hoysala architecture. An emerging tourist attraction, it is a must-visit place because of its scenic location and architectural beauty.
History of Venugopala Swamy temple, Mysore (Hosa Kannambadi)
The Venugopala Swamy temple, Mysore, initially located in the village of Kannambadi and built by the Hoysalas, dates back to the 12th century AD. It is as old as the Chennakesava Temple at Somanathapura in the Mysore district. However, the temple got submerged owing to the construction of the KRS dam, only to resurface when the water level dropped. Since the Kannambadi village and the surrounding areas were to be submerged because of the construction of the dam, the king of Mysore, Krishna Raja Wadiyar IV, ordered the construction of a new place, Hosa Kannambadi (New Kannambadi). Hence, the Kannambadi residents moved to Hosa Kannambadi. Consequently, they also moved the deity in the sanctum, Lord Krishna, playing a flute (Venugopala swamy) to the new village before the submersion.
Restoration of the Venugopala Swamy temple, Mysore (Hosa Kannambadi)
In 2003, Mr. Sri Hari Khoday, an industrialist, philanthropist, litterateur, filmmaker and liquor baron, sought to restore the Venugopala Swamy temple, Mysore (Hosa Kannambadi). With the government’s permission, he rebuilt the Venugopala Swamy temple in Hosa Kannambadi. The restored temple stands 1 km to the north of the place of the location of the original temple. He furthermore, sought to replicate the temple as per its original version by capturing the various angles of the structure on video. The philanthropist thereby took extreme care to move every block of the old temple, involving more than 200 workers in the mission. He successfully completed this noble task in 2011.
The new temple complex
The restored Venugopala Swamy temple complex is a massive, imposing granite structure built in the Hoysala style of architecture. It involves a main courtyard and a magnificently sculpted smaller courtyard. Beautifully carved motifs adorn the ceilings, pillars and the walls of the temple. The Venugopala Swamy idol (Lord Krishna playing the flute as a cowherd) graces the sanctum sanctorum, surrounded by individual shrines for other deities. In addition, a replica of the Hampi Stone Chariot outside the main courtyard adds charm to the structure. Small mantaps and beautifully manicured gardens surrounding the temple also elevate its beauty.
Thus, the newly built Venugopala Swamy temple, Mysore at Hosa Kannambadi, stands imposingly beside the Kaveri river bank amidst scenic beauty and serenity. In addition, when the KRS dam is full, the water lashes against the temple’s walls on all three sides. It also serves as an exciting place for birdwatching. Moreover, the sunset over here is picturesque.
Do’s and Don’ts in the Venugopala Swamy temple complex
- The temple management doesn’t allow photography, videography and drone cameras in the temple campus.
- The management does not permit using mobile phones inside the temple complex.
- The management prohibits the consumption of food and beverages in the temple premises.
- Devotees ought to maintain the cleanliness, peaceful ambience and sanctity of the temple.
- Flower offerings, money, fruits and other offerings are strictly not entertained in the temple.
Venugopala Swamy Temple, Hosa Kannambadi timings
The Venugopala Swamy temple at Hosa Kannambadi functions daily up to 6 PM. The Mahapooja takes place every day at 9 AM and 6 PM.
How to reach Venugopala Swamy temple, Hosa Kannambadi
The Venugopala Swamy temple, Mysore (Hosa Kannambadi), is about 8 km by road from the Brindavan Gardens, Mysore. It is also advisable to take your own vehicle as buses are available only up to KRS dam, which lies 7.3 km from the temple. The chances are also significantly less to get an OLA or Uber from there to get back.
Places to visit near Venugopala Swamy temple (Hosa Kannambadi)
Some other places near Venugopala Swamy temple, Mysore (Hosa Kannambadi), may also interest the tourists. They are
- KRS Dam – 7.3 km
- Brindavan Garden, Mysore – 8 km
- Edmuri Falls – 14.3 km
- Balmuri Falls – 15.2 km
- Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary – 21.7 km
- Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangapatna – 24.2 km
- Srirangapatna Fort – 24.9 km
- Nimishamba temple, Srirangapatna – 25 km
- Thonnur Lake – 27.1 km
To conclude, the Venugopala Swamy temple, with its compelling beauty, is not to be missed by tourists.